 |  |
 
October 2011
September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003 October 2003 September 2003 August 2003 July 2003 June 2003 May 2003 April 2003 March 2003 February 2003 January 2003
     |
 Greetings! You are reading an article from The Mudville Gazette. To reach the front page, with all the latest news and views, click the logo above or "main" below. Thanks for stopping by! September 8, 2011 911 Remembered: Rick Rescorla was a soldierBy Greyhawk
 I'll offer these words from James Lileks as introduction: At work I was talking to a colleague about a story I'd read, a piece on a man who perished in the towers. He was the solider on the front of the Vietnam history "We Were Soldiers." The piece has been going around the blogosphere, and even if I could find the link the site's bandwidth has been exceeded for a while so I'm not sure a link would be helpful today. Anyway. I'm relating the tale, how the man helped to evacuate everyone in his office, and cheered them with lusty old British war songs - and at that point I couldn't talk anymore. That was it. You make some gestures to indicate you've lost your handle for a moment; you turn away and get your grip. Didn't happen when you read the story; didn't happen when you thought about it the other day; but it's happening now. This is that post. Perhaps we're past all that. Perhaps not. After all, it has been so many years... Let's begin with song.
Can't you see their spear points gleaming? See their warrior's pendants streaming To this battlefield. Men of Harlech, stand ye steady. It cannot be ever said ye For the battle were not ready. Stand and never yield. Through the hills surrounding Let this war cry sounding Summon all to Cambria's call, The mighty force surrounding. Men of Harlech, on to glory! This shall ever be your story. Keep these fighting words before ye: Cambria (Welshmen never) will not yield.
Several versions exist Have you seen the movie We were Soldiers? A good one, in my opinion. Given just a couple hours to tell a tale I think all in all the folks involved did a commendable job.
Perhaps it's hard to go wrong, given the source material. We Were Soldiers Once, And Young is an account of the battle at Ia Drang Valley, fought in the still early phases of the war in Viet Nam. The book was written by Hal Moore, who was then a Lt Col and commander of the American troops in the valley, and Joe Galloway, a reporter who was at the battle. Their collaboration is a truly human account of men at war- including the enemy viewpoint, as Galloway and Moore's efforts at capturing the battle on paper were thorough enough to include interviews with survivors from the other side. Take a look at the cover. The prominent figure is Rick Rescorla, described thusly on the LZ Xray web page:
This is not a posed shot; this is a man moving forward into combat. Eyes forward. Ready. On that day,
Lt Rescorla survived that engagement and many others. He had grown up in a village on England's southwest coast and left at age sixteen to join the British military. He'd fought in Cyprus and Rhodesia. He then came to America, he said, so that he could enlist in the Army and go to Vietnam. He welcomed the opportunity to join the American cause in Southeast Asia. He worked his way up through the ranks to Sergeant before being commissioned. The epitome of the young warrior, he was the sort that England seems to have bred in abundance for centuries: the type of young man who in times past went forth from Britain and created an empire upon which the sun never set. England happened to be fresh out of wars in the 1960s, so Rescorla became an American and fought in ours.(3) More stories from Viet Nam:
After fighting in Vietnam, he returned to the United States and used his military benefits to study creative writing at the University of Oklahoma. Literary minded, even before college he had read all fifty-one volumes of the Harvard Classics and could recite Shakespeare and quote Churchill. He had started writing a novel about a mobile-air-cavalry unit, and had several stories published in Western-themed magazines. He eventually earned a bachelor's, a master's in literature, and a law degree. Rescorla then moved to South Carolina for a brief teaching career. He left for greener pastures; jobs in corporate security eventually led him to Dean Witter in 1985. He moved to New Jersey, commuted to Manhattan, and rose to become vice-president in charge of security at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. And, oh by the way, was still in the Army, as a Reservist, having advanced to colonel before retiring in 1990. Rescorla's office was on the forty-fourth floor of the south tower of the World Trade Center. The firm occupied twenty-two floors in the south tower, and several floors in a building nearby. In 1990 Rescorla and Dan Hill, an old Army friend, evaluated the security, identifying load bearing columns in the parking garage as a weak point. A security official for the Port Authority dismissed their concerns. On February 26, 1993, a truck bomb exploded in the basement. Rescorla ensured that every one of his firm's employees was safely evacuated, and was the last man out of the building. Rescorla met his wife while running barefoot. Still determined to be a writer he had been scripting a play set in Rhodesia, based on his experiences there. Few of the native Rhodesians had worn shoes, which was why, he explained to her, he had to feel what it was like to run barefoot. Some insight into the man's character: Rescorla may have told Susan that he was running barefoot as research for a play, but he had already been running barefoot in Africa, and then at Fort Dix, toughening his soles to the point where he could extinguish a fire with his bare feet. He told Hill that if he lost his boots in combat it wouldn't matter. This was something he'd absorbed from his years in Africa. "You should be able to strip a man naked and throw him out with nothing on him," he told Hill. By the end of the day, the man should be clothed and fed. By the end of the week, he should own a horse. And by the end of a year he should own a business and have money in the bank.(2) Small wonder that the final chapter of the story goes like this:
However, over 2600 employees walked out of the south tower and in to the rest of their lives that morning. Incredibly, you can "meet" Rick Rescorla via this video interview made in 1998. He discusses Ia Drang and beyond, with some chilling words for the world today. Remind yourself as you watch and listen that he was speaking in 1998 - and that the view you see behind him no longer exists. Listen to the man and then you can add your signature to an online petition calling on the President to award the Medal of Freedom to Rick Rescorla.
People who knew Rescorla note that all this is exactly what he wouldn't want.  "He shunned public praise for his past heroism, kept his war photos and medals in a closet, and told his wife he didn't want to see the Mel Gibson movie based on "We Were Soldiers" when it came out. To the friends he left behind, his death made a kind of cosmic sense on a day when the universe was out of order: The right man in the right place at the right time. He left in a blaze of glory. With no parade. Rescorla was a man who didn't need to be reminded of the high price of freedom. "However we do..." (4) Perhaps a Shakespeare quote then?
So mix'd in him that Nature might stand up And say to all the world 'This was a man!'" The tragedy of 911 was this multiplied by three thousand. Never forget.  Sources: (1) More information on LZ Xray and the battle at Ia Drang can be found at the web page devoted to the battle.
(2) You can read a better account of the life of Rick Rescorla from The New Yorker. Please do so. The article, by James Stewart, formed the basis for his book on Rick Rescorla's life: Heart of a Soldier (3) More insight from Vietnam Magazine (4) And even more from The American Legion.  Eight years of postscripts... To my visitors from the Cav and the Ia Drang I'm honored by your presence, and hope I've done right by your fallen brother. May a fair wind ever find you and ease the burdens of your day. OUR HEARTS, SO STOUT, HAVE BROUGHT US FAME, I salute you. Update: As promised in comments, Carradine has sent his recording of the poem about Rick - it's posted below. Many thanks sir! Carridine's rendition of "Hero": Based on the following:
Those who wish to help keep the memory alive are encouraged to link this post via these banners:
Update January 6, 2004: To have his legacy live on in the form of a Bronze statue at the new National Infantry Museum in Ft. Benning, Georgia donate to:  Go here for the announcement from Susan Rescorla. 2006 Update: Rick's statue was unveiled at Ft Benning in April, 2006.  2009 Update: Rick Rescorla was recognized with The Above & Beyond Citizen Honors, presented in March, 2009 by the less than 100 living Medal of Honor recipients who constitute the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. May, 2011: I've reposted this September, 2003 post many times since that day, usually on Memorial Day, or the anniversaries of 9/11. In all that time, I looked forward to reposting it today. Rick, Susan (and all those who found themselves living her nightmare since), America, Stop. Take a deep breath. Steady? Onward, then...
 The Rescorla memorial - Hayle, Cornwall, UK  Be sure to visit (and bookmark) rickrescorla.com. And if you haven't read the salutes to Rick in the comments below - from his wife, comrades, friends, and folks from all over the world, you've missed the best possible testimony to the fine character of this man.
Posted by Greyhawk / September 8, 2011 2:16 PM | Permalink 65 TrackBacksLt Rick Rescorla, Platoon Leader, B Co 2/7 Cav, Ia Drang Valley, 16 Nov 1965. Cornishman. When Britain ran out of wars in the 1960s, he emigrated to America to join theirs. Remember the name. And sign the petition to... Read More A moving story of a true hero: Stephan Newhouse, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, said at a memorial service in Hayle that Rescorla was spotted as high as the 72nd floor, then worked his way down, clearing floors as he... Read More As we approach the anniversary of September 11th, its entirely appropriate to remember some of the people heroes who gave their lives the day America was attacked. Go read it now soldier! That's an order (you won't regret it). Sgt Hook out.... Read More I wish there was something more I could say, but I can't add anything to this post. Just go read... Read More I just saw an important site having to do with Rick Rescorla. His story is here in the Mudville Gazette, and a petition for the Presidential Medal of Freedom is here. The story most certainly shows what an immigrant with... Read More ...and then there are heroes. Now read. And Never Forget.... Read More As the anniversary of 9/11 rolls around, go here to learn about a rolled gold hero. Lid tip to Wallace Craig.... Read More Thanks to the Mudville Gazette for pointing out an interesting article about media victories and asymmetric warfare. Piquing my interest is this excerpt: In Somalia, the Somalis took over 30 casualties for every American killed or wounded. That was don... Read More Mudville Gazette: 911 Remembered: Rick Rescorla was a soldier Just go read it. This was a truly great man. Read More Men of Cornwall stop your dreaming; Can’t you see their spearpoints gleaming? See their warriors’ pennants streaming To this battlefield.... Read More This is just an excerpt, go read it in it's entirety. It is the story of men like this that give me hope for our nation.In St. Augustine, Dan Hill was laying tile in his upstairs bathroom when his wife... Read More As we approach the second anniversary of the Terrible Day, we must not forget. We must not forget that on September 11th, 2001, enemies came to our very home, seeking to cripple us. They hoped to strike at our economy, and our government, and our very ... Read More Amidst the clamour and tumult of all the 9/11 related posts over the past 2 years, some in particular have deeply impressed me. Allow me to share a few with you... Read More I'm not exactly sure what to put here today, the second anniversary of the most awful of days. We must never forget 9/11. However painful it might be, we must relive the horrific images from that day, continue the fight... Read More Read this and then make sure to sign the petition at the bototm.... Read More Other things stick with you. The description the news applied to people in New York as "panic". I didn't see panic. I saw distraught people leaving - but in an orderly manner (even when running). In a helpful manner. People Read More Rick Rescorla is my hero. Here's a quote to live by:You should be able to strip a man naked and throw him out with nothing on him. By the end of the day, the man should be clothed and fed.... Read More Rick Rescorla is my hero. Here's a quote to live by:You should be able to strip a man naked and throw him out with nothing on him. By the end of the day, the man should be clothed and fed.... Read More Meet Rick Rescorla. A man you should know about.... Read More Well, go here and find out. Via The Mudville Gazette. I have nothing to add after reading this, and paraphrasing... Read More and Young. But Rick Rescorla had another battle on Mudville 9/11. He fought that one with grace and instinct, just as he had at Ia Drang. Read it. If you don't feel anything, you're not human.... Read More Greyhawk over at the Mudville Gazette writes movingly, and passionately about Rick Rescorla - a legend in the 7th Cav, who perished in the WTC attacks. He writes with the frank and open admiration of one warrior for another, even if this warrior was ... Read More Sgt Hook has a tribute to our soldiers called Who Is Defending You. Go read it. And make sure to click on all the pictures. "That's an order!" as he would say. And if you've never read the story of... Read More Mudville Gazette: 911 Remembered: Rick Rescorla was a soldier Everyday I take a moment and think of those who freely and knowingly give their lives in service to others. Everyday. Everyday I allow my private grief to come to the... Read More 911 Remembered: Rick Rescorla I'm sure that many of you have seen this before, but I'm moved by the story of Rick Rescorla every time I see it. Rescorla is the soldier featured on the cover of the book We... Read More It's Friday, and that means it's time for another edition of the Tasty Manatees Friday Blog Roundup. Let's just get right into it: 1. "911 Remembered: Rick Rescorla was a soldier". This. Is. Good. Read it. pass it around. Mudville Gazette. 2. "The Muga... Read More 1. Frank J. has a new In My World post and here's a great quote from it: "We're Marines," Buck explained, "We only judge people by whether they're American of foreign... and, if they are foreign, we don't judge them Read More Like I've said before, I'm no good at fisking. I don't really like to do it; it goes back to my post about being rude. But I also said that the published are fair game, so when I found this... Read More Sometimes, I believe that the 9/11 Commission is undertaking a massive CYA maneuver. I think that they are afraid that the real answer to what happened will lie in the underfunding of the FBI and the disconnect between the FBI Read More If you haven't read the account of Rick Rescorla, the soldier pictured on the cover of the book WE WERE SOLDIERS ONCE, AND YOUNG and a security manager in the World Trade Center on 9/11, you should. I've mentioned this... Read More This weekend, as the smell of barbecues fill our nostrils, as we gather with family and friends, as we enjoy a day (or two) off from our jobs, let us take a few moments to remember. With props to Mike Read More John has an absolutely wonderful post about 2LT Leonard Cowherd and Memorial Day. I would not dare try to quote this post or paraphrase it; you simply must read the whole thing for yourself. The sacrifice our soldiers are making,... Read More I always hesitate to link to Den Beste. He writes well, and has coherent thoughts. I agree with him almost entirely, probably because we both view the world through an engineer's lens. My guess is that anyone reading my musings... Read More Joe Gandelman has an interesting post about how bloggers make old-school jorunalists out there nervous, and he's taken the time to give one of them, writing in the LATimes, a piece of his mind. For me though, the question isn't... Read More A list of those murdered on September 11, 2001 I didn't lose any family or friends that day, though I know some who did and several members of my immediate family were close enough to the danger that I... Read More Some good stuff around the blogging world that started my morning off in the right way: Mudville Gazette profiles Rick Rescorla, a hero in multiple ways and someone you really should know on this day before the third anniversary of... Read More Click the banner and read it, Soldier, now! That's an Order.... Read More Amidst the clamour and tumult of all the 9/11 related posts over the past 3 years, some in particular have deeply impressed me. Allow me to share them with you... Read More On this day I would like to honor and thank those corageous and dedicated men and women of our Armed Forces, who continue to give of themselves for love of their family and country. You may count amongst your fallen brothers my collegue, friend and men... Read More Abe Avremel Zelmanowitz was called "the saint of the burning towers" t was a relatively modest funeral for the man the American media had dubbed "the saint of the burning towers" a few months ago. At 4 P.M. on Monday, just a few dozen people gathered o... Read More I'm going to post as I go, so this will be a work in progress for the next hour or so as I continue to upload photos. You can click on the thumbnails to enlarge the images. We got Read More UPDATE: In the news: Medal hope for Cornish 9/11 hero. Read More Tomb of the Unknowns Photo from US Memorial Day images (1993 Smithsonian Institute.) May 30 - Memorial Day was officially proclaimed in 1868 to honour those who died during the Civil War. After World War I it was changed... Read More First, read this by Jeff Jarvis. Then, check this by Michelle Malkin (with link to her latest column). And, if you ever read anything at all on MilBlogs, read this great post about one of my heroes, Rick Rescorla...here's just Read More I've added a "Remember Rick Rescorla" link to my sidebar. Clicking it takes you to an archived post at Mudville Gazette. It's long. If you go, be prepared for tears. Read More Joe's Zimbabwe post talked about a number of things, but I want to draw on my experience and focus on one thing: what makes people act when the chips are down? Where, in other words, do heroes come from? It isn't just a rhetorical question.... Read More Rick and Susan Rescorla I've mentioned Rick Rescorla before. If you haven't read his story, you should go to Mudville Gazette and do so. If you have read his story, think about reading it again. Now Mudville notes that a... Read More So the MSM wants to see bodies? On this fourth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America, let's remember these: Credit: Richard Drew, AP; see also Tom Junod's must-read and re-read, "The Falling Man" And these. And these. And... Read More Amidst the clamour and tumult of all the 9/11 related posts over the past 3 years, some in particular have deeply impressed me. Allow me to share them with you... Read More This photo of “Hell at Ground Zero” reminds us that this was an act of war, not a “tragedy.” There are more at the end of this post, taken by a friend of a friend, who helped with search... Read More For those who don't know, I'm a Staff Seargent (E-5) in active duty Air Force. Back in 2001 I was an Airman First Class (E-3). I got orders, and was deployed to Kuwait. It was actually pretty nice at the base I got stationed at. Our partic... Read More Amidst the clamour and tumult of all the 9/11 related posts over the past 2 years, some in particular have deeply impressed me. Allow me to share a few with you... Read More Rick Rescorla Was a Soldier If you were to tread one post for 9-11, the Chief suggests strongly that this would be the one! Rick Resorla was security head for Morgan Stanley in the WTC. He predicted an attack on... Read More Too good to even try to excerpt. Click here, here, here, and here, and follow the links. Read More At the office where I work, there are large TVs situated around the open bays and tuned to CNN (but muted, fortunately) so that most us us can see what's going on in the world. This is actually useful, professionally, since when a natural disaster occu... Read More In the late morning of November 14, 1965, several platoons of American troops landed by helicopter at a clearing located in the Ia Drang River Valley, Vietnam. Over the next few hours they were followed by more men from their Read More A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, today focusing on 9/11/01 Read More Here's my round up of 9/11 tributes, check out CNN or Foxnews for streaming replays of 9/11/01. Baseball's 9/11 Tribute 2,996 White House Tribute Michelle Malkin : I will not submit The List of Victims LGF's 9/11 Slideshow Woman Honor Read More Today is a day we will never forget. Always remembering those lost that fateful day, always remembering our heroic Firefighters, Police and Military. Support Our Troops, Read Their Stories ---------------------------- 9-11 WE WILL NEVER FORGET The hero... Read More The Phoenix is a supernatural creature, living for 500 years. Once its life span is over, the Phoenix builds its own funeral pyre, and throws itself into the flames. As it dies, it is reborn anew, and rises from the... Read More Mudville Gazette 911 Remembered: Rick Rescorla was a soldier Men of Cornwall stop your dreaming; Can't you see their spearpoints gleaming? See their warriors' pennants streaming To this battlefield. Men of Cornwall stand ye steady; It cannot be ever sa... Read More In St. Augustine, Dan Hill was laying tile in his upstairs bathroom when his wife called, "Dan, get down here! An airplane just flew into the World Trade Center. It's a terrible accident." Hill hurried downstairs, and then the phone rang. It was Rescor... Read More I've reposted this September, 2003 post many times since that day, usually on Memorial Day, or the anniversaries of 9/11. In all that time, I looked forward to reposting it today. A couple of notes first - Rick, We got that son of a bitch. America, Wat... Read More A couple of clips from We Were Soldiers, not for the squeamish. It's Hollywood, of course. And what's real and what's realistic is a topic for endless debate. But mixed with the splattering blood is the story of a bugle (also told here) - the thread th... Read More 172 CommentsLeave a comment |
November 26, 2010America@war [Greyhawk]
I think anyone who's ever pondered the "comment" option - once only available on blogs and bulletin boards, now ubiquitous on almost any web site - will appreciate this:
The so-called faculty of writing is not so much a faculty of writing as it is a faculty of thinking. When a man says, "I have an idea but I can't express it"; that man hasn't an idea but merely a vague feeling. If a man has a feeling of that kind, and will sit down for a half an hour and persistently try to put into writing what he feels, the probabilities are at least 90 percent that he will either be able to record it, or else realize that he has no idea at all. In either case, he will do himself a benefit. That's wisdom from the past, captured for posterity at the US Naval Institute, shared via the web on the institute's 137th anniversary. From their about page:
"The Naval Institute has three core activities," among them, History and Preservation: The Naval Institute also has recently introduced Americans at War, a living history of Americans at war in their own words and from their own experiences. These 90-second vignettes convey powerful stories of inspiration, pride, and patriotism. Take a look at the collection, and you'll see it's not limited to accounts from those who served on ships at sea, members of the other branches are well-represented. I'm fortunate to have met USNI's Mary Ripley, she's responsible for the institute's oral history program (and she's the daughter of the late John Ripley, whose story is told here). She also deserves much credit for their blog. ("We're not the Navy nor any government agency. Blog and comment freely.") We met at a milblog conference - Mary knew (and I would come to realize) that milbloggers are the 21st-century version of exactly what the US Naval Institute is all about. Once that light bulb came on in my head, I mentioned a vague idea for a project to her - milblogs as the 21st century oral history that they are. "Put that in writing," she said (of course - see first paragraph above!) - and here's part of the result. Shortly after the first tent was pitched by the American military in Iraq a wire was connected to a computer therein, and the internet was available to a generation of Americans at war - many of whom had grown up online. From that point on, at any given moment, somewhere in Iraq a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine was at a keyboard sharing the events of his or her day with the folks back home. While most would simply fire off an email, others took advantage of the (then) relatively new online blogging platforms to post their thoughts and experiences for the entire world to see. The milblog was born - and from that moment to this stories detailing everything from the most mundane aspects of camp life to intense combat action (often described within hours of the event) have been available on the web... And et cetera - but since you're reading this on a milblog, you probably knew that. And you know that milblogs aren't just blogs written by troops at war, that many friends, family members, and supporters likewise documented their story of America at war online in near-real time, as those stories developed. The diversity in membership of that group is broad, the one thing we all have in common is the impulse to make sense of the seemingly senseless, and communicate the tale - for each of us that impulse was strong enough to overcome whatever barriers prevent the vast majority of people from doing the same. Everyone at some point has some vague idea they believe should be shared - we were the people who, from some combination of internal and external urging, found and spent those many half hours persistently trying to write it down. But where will all that be in another 137 years? Or five or ten, for that matter. That's something I've asked myself since at least 2004 - when I wrote this:
Membership in the ghost battalion has grown in the years since, and an ever growing majority of those abandoned-but-still-standing sites are vanishing. Have you checked out Lt Smash's site lately? How about Sgt Hook's? If you're a long-time milblog reader you know the first widely-read milblog from Operation Iraq Freedom and the first widely-read milblog from Afghanistan are both gone from the web. If you're a relative newcomer to this world you may never even have heard of them - or the dozens upon dozens of others who carried forth the standard they set down. If you have a vague notion that something should be done about that, (a notion I've heard expressed more than once...) then you and I and the good folks at the US Naval Institute are in agreement. Preserving the history documented by the milbloggers is just one of the goals of the milblog project, the once-vague idea that we're now making real. And it's a big idea, if I say so myself - too big to explain in one simple blog post, so stand by for more. Likewise, it's too big a task to be accomplished by just one person. So if you're a milblogger (and exactly what is a milblogger? is a topic for much further discussion on its own) I'm asking for your help. All I'll really need is just a little bit (maybe just one or two of those half hours...) of your time, and your willingness to tell the tale. We've already made history, it's time to save it. (More to follow...) Posted 4:02 PM | Permalink |
Comments (0) |
|
The Mudville Gazette is the on-line voice of an American warrior and his wife who stands by him. They prefer to see peaceful change render force of arms unnecessary. Until that day they stand fast with those who struggle for freedom, strike for reason, and pray for a better tomorrow.
 
 
 Furthermore, I will occasionally use satire or parody herein. The bottom line: it's my house. I like having visitors to my house. I hope you are entertained. I fight for your right to free speech, and am thrilled when you exercise said rights here. Comments and e-mails are welcome, but all such communication is to be assumed to be 1)the original work of any who initiate said communication and 2)the property of the Mudville Gazette, with free use granted thereto for publication in electronic or written form. If you do NOT wish to have your message posted, write "CONFIDENTIAL" in the subject line of your email. Original content copyright © 2003 - 2011 by Greyhawk. Fair, not-for-profit use of said material by others is encouraged, as long as acknowledgement and credit is given, to include the url of the original source post. Other arrangements can be made as needed. Contact: greyhawk at mudvillegazette dot com  Tending Distant Far from hearth and home, watching What tales we'll tell When things grim Some distant sunset, vision fading Saluting fallen friends whose names - Greyhawk, Baghdad, December 2004 |
. I learned of this book only recently through the comments section below, have since purchased it, and agree wholeheartedly with those who recommend it without reservation.
OH......what an awesome post...I can barely type through the tears....
Wow...thanks for this Greyhawk.
Thanks for remembering Rick, and all the soldiers of the Ia Drang! I've forwarded the URL to Gen. Moore, Joe Galloway, Larry Gwin, and others who survived this ordeal and whom I have the privelage of calling my friends and comrades.
thank you for a really nice and accurate picture of our friend-Garry Owen
Great peice, and thank you for introducing me to a truly amazing person. I'm awestruck.
My warmest thoughts go out to Mr Rescorla's family,friends and brothers in arms.
Thank God for heroes. Rick Rescorla saved more than 2600 people that day.
It's because of American Warriors like Rick Rescorla and Galloway, Moore, & Kinnard that we Americans have "liberty or death" [P. Henry], and the reason for my Orange 1 email & LZ Xray car plates; but above all, I find that it's Rick's heroism that emphasizes "...choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong...never be content with a half truth when the whole can be won...endow courage that is born of loyalty and all that is noble and worthy...and scorn to compromise with vice and unjustice knowing no fear when truth and right are in jeopardy..." [USMA Cadet Prayer].
Man that was a strong dose. I'm tempted to say let us up for air, but people need to see this.
An American and a Brit, all in one - in this day and age how fitting. This story is amazing in ten different ways. A true hero.
WHAT A WONDERFUL ARTICLE--THANK YOU--FORWARDING IT TO A GROUP OF MORGAN STANLEY EMPLOYEES WHO FOLLOWED THE STORY OF RICK AND IA DRANG--ALSO A COLLEGE HISTORY PROF WHO HAD A SEMINAR REG THE BOOK AND BATTLE LAST YR--GOD BLESS!!!
Thank you thank you for the tribute to my husband.
Let us all never forget Rick or what happened to our world on that day. It takes much courage to face evil. You are all heros.
Susan Rescorla
Went back to Ia Drang with Rick and others in '97. We had good conversation and rememberances. To qoute a line from Hemmingway, "He was a soldier and that's saying quite a lot".
Excellent tribute to Rick. I am saddened that I didn't have the opportunity to become better aquainted with Rick in the Bong Song 1 Battle. I am further saddened that my New York Political leaders have made no mention of Rick's heroism. Why??? I have met several of his co-workers from Morgan Stanley who are alive because of Rick's bravery and leadership. One said, "the fire drill Rick made us do, unannounced at any time, saved me and thousands of lives". After the first plane hit the north tower, I ran to the end of my block from my home in Brooklyn and observed the next plane crash into the south tower. I didn't know Rick was there until later. During the day and evening whenever I return to that same location and view that empty space where the Twin towers of the World Trade Center once was, (which is just across the river a few clicks from my home), I am saddened again by the loss of so many innocent lives, including Rick Rescorla who was a great American Patriot. I will never forget him. God bless him. Garry Owen.
Excellent tribute to Rick. I am saddened that I didn't have the opportunity to become better aquainted with Rick in the Bong Song 1 Battle. I am further saddened that my New York Political leaders have made no mention of Rick's heroism. Why??? I have met several of his co-workers from Morgan Stanley who are alive because of Rick's bravery and leadership. One said, "the fire drill Rick made us do, unannounced at any time, saved me and thousands of lives". After the first plane hit the north tower, I ran to the end of my block from my home in Brooklyn and observed the next plane crash into the south tower. I didn't know Rick was there until later. During the day and evening whenever I return to that same location and view that empty space where the Twin towers of the World Trade Center once was, (which is just across the river a few clicks from my home), I am saddened again by the loss of so many innocent lives, including Rick Rescorla who was a great American Patriot. I will never forget him. God bless him. Garry Owen.
Thank you for this tribute to my magnificent friend. Those who would like to know more about Rick can read the recent bestseller, HEART OF A SOLDIER by James B. Stewart. As for me, I've always been partial to the following poem:
HERO
A little clutch of veterans share a table in a bar,
There's a guy off in the corner coaxing tunes from his guitar.
They watch the Hudson River as it rolls towards the bend
And they talk of Rick Rescorla as a comrade and a friend.
While out across the water, many ocean-miles away
Within a Cornish Tavern by a sandy Cornish Bay,
Another group are gathered, reminiscing as a clan,
And their thoughts are all of Tammy, from the schoolboy to the man.
And every head among them has a picture in its mind
Which time and place and memory have captured and consigned,
Now the pictures weld together until only one remains,
Of a sturdy, selfless hero guiding others from the flames.
It's a picture which unites them in their glory and their grief,
More eloquent than eulogies, confirming their belief
That theirs had been a privilege to saunter at his side
And in the way he'd lived his life had Rick Rescorla died.
The veterans recalled him in the killing fields of war
As a man whose potent presence would inspire and reassure,
Just one among his brothers when the skies began to fall,
Yet one whom they regarded as a father to them all.
And now their eyes will moisten at the mention of his name
And the sources and the substance of the legend he became,
When mayhem drove the best of men to crave their mother's love,
He'd stand and croon an anthem to the gory gods above.
And on that evil morning, so deceptively serene,
Amid another carnage, just as callous and obscene
Again he took the mantle of the sainted and the strong
To save the lives of others with a blessing and a song.
Between the Hudson River and the sandy shores of Hayle,
Though eyes encompass differences of latitude and scale,
All hands are linked together in the testament they bear,
They are but Rick Rescorla’s friends, united by a prayer.
By David Prowse – 2001 - WESTERN MORNING NEWS – Cornwall UK
There is nothing I can say about this that wouldn't cheapen it.
But I will say that all the world should take a look and marvel. This man is a true, deep blue American hero.
The shame of it is that I am only now learning the name and the deeds of Rick Rescorla. How is it that such a man is not held aloft as an example to all? How low we are fallen as a nation, not to teach his story to our children.
ALOHA Ya'll...
...Please see the wonderful.. http://www.Freerepublic.com ..Responses to this outstanding Article Tribute to Lifetime Lifesaving Hero RICK RESCORLA =
http://www.Freerepublic.com/focus/news/978534/posts?page=22
...Still no mention of RICK RESCORLA by New York Politicians you ask..? I have been asking for 2 years on Talk Radio/TV and on the Web..
.."WHY did the CLINTONS refuse 3 Free Offers from the Sudan, to send our No. 1 Terrrorist Enemy OSAMA bin LADEN here during the 1990's, that would have prevented the sudden death of one RICK RESCORLA on September 11, 2001..?"
Poster "ALOHA RONNIE" Guyer
IA DRANG S-1 Personnel Clerk, Landing Zone Falcon
(I Typed Lt. Col. MOORE's Letters of Condolances Home to our IA DRANG KIA-WIA's Loved Ones after the Battle)
ALOHA Ya'll...
...Please see the wonderful.. http://www.Freerepublic.com ..Responses to this outstanding Article Tribute to Lifetime Lifesaving Hero RICK RESCORLA =
http://www.Freerepublic.com/focus/news/978534/posts?page=22
...Still no mention of RICK RESCORLA by New York Politicians you ask..? I have been asking for 2 years on Talk Radio/TV and on the Web..
.."WHY did the CLINTONS refuse 3 Free Offers from the Sudan, to send our No. 1 Terrrorist Enemy OSAMA bin LADEN here during the 1990's, that would have prevented the sudden death of one RICK RESCORLA on September 11, 2001..?"
Poster "ALOHA RONNIE" Guyer
IA DRANG S-1 Personnel Clerk, Landing Zone Falcon
(I Typed Lt. Col. MOORE's Letters of Condolances Home to our IA DRANG KIA-WIA's Loved Ones after the Battle)
A minor point of order; LTG (ret) Hal Moore and Joe Galloway's book- "We Were Soldiers Once, and Young" is really a two part book. Part one- how to raise a unit up from scratch and train them to be invincible. Part two, how to throw together some poor bastards because the political leadership hasn't got the balls to do the right thing, send them off to war less than half trained and then let them get slaughtered. Moore's Bn overcame an enemy much larger and the remnants of 2nd 7th Cav suffered because the army didn't look little Bobby McNamara in the eye and tell him to butt out of their training programs becuase McNamara couldn't tell the difference between a soldier and a dollar. Nor did he ever care.
Jim
Another of our generation's Band Of Brothers has left us, doing so in the way he was trained, trying to protect his troops and get them to safety. Let us not let them go in vain as was done in the past.
A minor point of order; LTG (ret) Hal Moore and Joe Galloway's book- "We Were Soldiers Once, and Young" is really a two part book. Part one- how to raise a unit up from scratch and train them to be invincible. Part two, how to throw together some poor bastards because the political leadership hasn't got the balls to do the right thing, send them off to war less than half trained and then let them get slaughtered. Moore's Bn overcame an enemy much larger and the remnants of 2nd 7th Cav suffered because the army didn't look little Bobby McNamara in the eye and tell him to butt out of their training programs becuase McNamara couldn't tell the difference between a soldier and a dollar. Nor did he ever care.
Jim
A country isn't its lakes or forrests.
A country isn't the colour of its citizen's skins.
A country is the values from which it sprang.
A country is the values it upholds.
Patriotism is the defence of those values.
Rick Rescorla was a english.
Patriot and american in spirit and in action.
I hope that in some small way, despite being swedish, I too may some day claim that I have been a patriot american. Because those are the values and the spirit I fight to uphold.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story about Rick Rescorla, the hero.
Rick was my inspiration, my guide , and at times the voice of my soul. How well I remember him walking behind the positions in LZ Xray and singing to us.This gave us the strength to carry on. He prepared me and others of the life we had been delt. I wish he had just a little mention in the movie . But he will still be the "Head Liner" to all of who "really" knew him . He did lead us all...
Fiddlers Green is just a little better place now that he's there ... Yes he is waiting for us all..
Trapper B/2/7
I just saw "We Were Soldiers Once.." over the weekend. I didn't think I could cry any harder - where do men like that come from?
What a tragedy that he is gone and what a blessing he must have been to everyone who knew him.
Thanks for sharing the story.
I join my comrades to request that Col Rescorla be retroactively returned to active duty to September 11, 2001 for the purpose of making him elegible for the Medal of Honor.
NEVER FORGET
..'911 Remembered: RICK RESCORLA was a Soldier' =
...A Forum Thread honoring a truly Outstanding RICK RESCORLA Article, with the new address Link below, that you may access by...
...hitting my "ALOHA RONNIE Guyer" Poster Name:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/978534/posts?page=32
NEVER FORGET
Incredible story! Damn tears are messing up my keyboard. As a Nam Vet, I would have been proud to have Rick Rescorla as my team leader anytime...anywhere. I too join with my fellow Americans calling for the award of the Medal of Honor to Col. Rick Rescorla, a true American Hero.
Wow.
Not a whole lot to add to that, but "wow."
A person would be lucky to be that brave once in their lives. His whole adult life was spent that way.
Thank you, Colonel. And thank you, Mudville, for bringing it to the attention of those who didn't know about him.
Men like that come from America, and nowhere else.
I'm moved beyond words. Thank you so much for sharing that.
I thank God for America, the American way, American ideals...
And I thank America for the Rick Rescorla's of our time... Those of whom we have knowledge, and those who rescue others from airplanes in icy rivers, then slide into the water, unknown...
I've put the lyrics above to music. I'll send the MP3 to GreyHawk within 20 hours... tomorrow morning Bangkok time, late Wednesday evening US time... small contribution, as Rick loved song!
Thank you for sharing. Truly a man worth emulating.
What a wonderful commemoration for this man and the others who so bravely have fought for our freedom and our lives. The tears in my eyes are of both sadness and of joy. We have lost many brave men and women but their courageous acts saved so many. God Bless America! for in no other country can we live the freedom that this country allows. We are all truly blessed.
The term "Hero" should be reserved for people like Rick, not overpaid sports figures and movieactors. Rick Rescorla epitomizes Hero. I want the story to be heard far and wide.
Ho-aah and thank you for introducing us to COl. Rescorla. And may God continue to bless America with patriots, statesmen and heros!!
Rick is the definition of HERO. If America does not honour this man to the fullest extent possible then we are not the great nation I believe we are.
GOD BLESS COL. RICK RESORLA FOR HIS COURAGE AND COMMITEMENT TO GIVE US FREEDOM . TRUE SPIRIT TO SERVE AMERICA SHOUKD BE REWARDED IN THE HIGHEST,RICK DESERVES THAT RECONITION.
Recipients of the Medal of Freedom since 911 2001:
Hank Aaron
Bill Cosby
Placido Domingo
Peter Drucker
Katherine Graham
D.A. Henderson
Irving Kristol
Nelson Mandela
Gordon Moore
Nancy Reagan
Fred Rogers
Jacques Barzun
Julia Child
Roberto Clemente
Van Cliburn
Vaclav Havel
Charlton Heston
Edward Teller
Dave Thomas
Byron White
James Q. Wilson
John Wooden
The full list (pdf)
http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/presmedal.pdf
My name in this post links to the Presidents e-mail.
it's difficult to type when tears are streaming down my face... thank you for sharing this story. rescola was a true hero in every sense of the word. may he rest in peace and remembrance, and may his family find comfort somehow, someway...
Thank you for remembering our Great CAV Sky Trooper Hero, and a special Mahalo to John Gilardi, my friend who sent me this website. Garry Owens!
That was great, thank you for the tears on my laptop.
I did'nt know.What a waste of a brave man.If he had not been there more would have died.Although I am British and signing a petition to ask for an award for this hero will not carry much clout in your country I will still gladly add my signature
if you think it will help.He should get the recognition he so rightly deserves
A brave man, who put in on the line many times..we need more men like him to end this war against heathens and terror.
A fine example of the strength of the human spirit. To recognise Rick's 'can-do' leadership and infectious enthusiasm would light a bright candle for all the free world to look upon. We all need that energy in dark times. From a fellow Brit.
Doesn't matter what nationality you are,or he was....the fact is he was a true hero in every sense of the word, and far more deserving of recognition than some of the "celebrities" than get honoured each year. More people like him would make the world a better place.
Doesn't matter what nationality you are,or he was....the fact is he was a true hero in every sense of the word, and far more deserving of recognition than some of the "celebrities" than get honoured each year. More people like him would make the world a better place.
Both America and England should bestow their highest honors on this truly brave man. Forget athletes and movie stars, men like Rick are the true heroes in our lives. What an amazing story!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. So appropriate for 9/11.
The man is the definition of character.
How can I not vote for that? This man deserves to be remembered for ever.
a salute to all you soldiers.
i was in the 173rd and we worked that area just before Rick made us proud.
God bless America
A friend sent me this the just before I read about
Rick. I think it is fitting sentiment.
Small Pain In My Chest
The soldier boy was sitting calmly underneath a tree.
As I approached it, I could see him beckoning to me.
The battle had been long and hard and lasted through the night
And scores of figures on the ground lay still by morning's light.
"I wonder if you'd help me, sir", he smiled as best he could.
"A sip of water on this morn would surely do me good.
We fought all day and fought all night with scarcely any rest
- A sip of water for I have a small pain in my chest."
As I looked at him, I could see the large stain on his shirt
All reddish-brown from his warm blood mixed in with Asian dirt.
"Not much", said he. "I count myself more lucky than the rest.
They're all gone while I just have a small pain in my chest."
"Must be fatigue", he weakly smiled. "I must be getting old.
I see the sun is shining bright and yet I'm feeling cold.
We climbed the hill, two hundred strong, but as we cleared the crest,
The night exploded and I felt this small pain in my chest."
"I looked around to get some aid - the only things I found
Were big, deep craters in the earth - bodies on the ground.
I kept on firing at them, sir. I tried to do my best,
But finally sat down with this small pain in my chest."
"I'm grateful, sir", he whispered, as I handed my canteen
And smiled a smile that was, I think, the brightest that I've seen.
"Seems silly that a man my size so full of vim and zest,
Could find himself defeated by a small pain in his chest."
"What would my wife be thinking of her man so strong and grown,
If she could see me sitting here, too weak to stand alone?
Could my mother have imagined, as she held me to her breast,
That I'd be sitting HERE one day with this pain in my chest?"
"Can it be getting dark so soon?" He winced up at the sun.
"It's growing dim and I thought that the day had just begun.
I think, before I travel on, I'll get a little rest ..........
And, quietly, the boy died from that small pain in his chest.
I don't recall what happened then. I think I must have cried;
I put my arms around him and I pulled him to my side
And, as I held him to me, I could feel our wounds were pressed
The large one in my heart against the small one in his chest.
By Michael Mack
This story. . .
This story makes me want to work very hard, very hard indeed, to improve myself so that I can feel worthy to call Rick Rescorla a fellow-countryman.
A Great British solider, a hearo, What more can be said?
True hero. Warrior.
I first met Rick in April of 1964 at Reception/Basic Training, Ft Dix, New Jersey. Two years later in 1966 he was the 2/LT of Delta Co. RECON Platoon. It was a pleasure to know him in basic and an Honor to serve under his command again in Viet Nam. I had just found him after all these years in June just to lose him on 9/11. May you rest in peace and may your memory be eternal
The axiom, "No man is a leader until his appointment is ratified in the minds and hearts of his men." applies to Rick Rescorla!
Wow!
Powerful reading.
Thirty-four years ago today I was on my way home from VN, following six of my brothers on their last flight, only I was coming home to a fiance, a chair, and a bed. They came home to be put in the ground, and their family's were left with empty hearts, empty chairs, and an empty bed. Today I remember my fallen brothers, whether they died over there, or they came 'home' to build lives and have since fallen without recognition for what they've meant to us all. I remember also the innocents, who unknowlingly became martyrs before their time.
I filmed the 1998 interview with Rick noted above. It was intended to be part of a longer documentary about the battle of the Ia Drang and the nature of warfare. My father was the C Co 1/7 commander at LZ X-Ray and I am a veteran of the Gulf war, 504th PIR, 82d Abn. I now live in New York City where I stood and watched the twin towers burn two years ago today. At a time when the word "hero" is bandied about casually, few Americans can comprehend the sort of courage and selflessness of a man like Rick Rescorla.
Thank you for introducing me to Rick Rescorla. What courage and honor he had. What a loss for us and for the rest of the world. He will be remembered.
This fine man deserves to be honored for his courage and selflessness...what a wonderful human being! I'm proud to be American and also part English !
As a veteran of the Korean war, I found this story to be inspiring to the point that I am more proud to be an American than ever before. This man truly deserves to be recognized by a nation grateful for all he did.
Like my father (see above), I believe that Col. Rick Rescorla represents the finest qualities of the American fighting man.
I first read about him in a magazine article, and found myself weeping over my lunch.
Later, I purchased the biography, "Heart of a Soldier," one of the most moving I've read.
I recommend the book, as well as the film, "We Were Soldiers," for insights into the life of a true American hero.
And read the book, "We Were Soldiers," too!
People like Rescorla are rare birds, never enough of them to go around. He will most certainly be missed.
I think it is so sad what people have to go through. I do hope that there are more people like this man who are willing to do anything (even sacrifice life) for their country.
Thank you for posting this fitting memorial to the heroes of 911. Britain can be proud of Rescorla, America can be proud of Rescorla but most of all the world can be proud of a man who puts the needs of others above his own. I am British with several generations of my family having served, as Rescorla did, for America and as American citizens, in military action. It would be a lasting memorial to know that Rescorla had set an example to be remembered for all time for his is the quality that is needed in the world today.
Rick Rescorla exemplifies what America is all about. Hopefully, he will receive the medal so deserving of his actions.
What else can be said? Give him the damn medal!
What a fine human being, soldier and American. He is so deserving of this medal!
Award the medal to this man. My sister survived that day, and it was probably his fault!
Rick Rescorla epitomises what a true Hero is, he saved the lives of TWENTY SIX HUNDRED people during the disaster of 9/11....and the combination of two Governments should be ashamed of themselves for non recognition of this fact.
on behalf of the people of these two great countries I say this...
WE THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE, URGENTLY REQUEST THAT PRESIDENT BUSH AND PRIME MINISTER BLAIR, LISTEN TO WHAT WE YOUR PEOPLE ARE ASKING..
THAT RICK RESCORLA BE POSTUMOUSLY HONOURED FOR THE UNSELFISH ACT HE DID COMMIT ON THE DAY NOW WORLD REKNOWNED AS 9/11, IN THAT HE GAVE HIS LIFE IN SAFEGUARDING THE LIVES OF 2600 FELLOW PERSONS, AND ALSO THAT THE SIX OTHER PERSONS UN-NAMED WHO ASSISTED HIM IN THIS SELFLESS ACT, ALSO BE HONOURED.
I hope this does find its way to those who can make this happen.
An Englishman by birth, and American by choice...A true man by his actions. God bless
There has been much talk about the film WE WERE SOLDIERS, but reading the piece, and seeing the words to the battle hymn, "Men of Cornwall," I immediately flashed back to another movie that should do this great man's memory proud: ZULU.
During the Battle of Rorke's Drift, a small group of a few dozen men of the British 24th Regiment held off over 6000 Zulus in a hellish night. I don't know if Mr. Rescorla saw the film before he went to Vietnam. But at the end of the movie, when the Zulus begin to attack in waves, the defenders start to sing that very song to keep their spirits up. It is one of the most powerful moments I have ever seen on film.
It is an honor, and a privelege, to breathe the same air as people like this, and this goes for all of you very fine men who served with him in that most difficult and hearbreaking conflict.
How will we ever be able to thank you?
There is no better example of heroism, selflessness, and concern for others than Rick Rescorla. He is the common thread that runs through all men, and the uncommon thread of heroism that runs through few.
Rick Rescorla MUST be remembered indelibly in American history. Please sign the Presidential petetion so Rick can posthumously be awarded the Medal of Freedom.
"I salute you Sir."
A fine outstanding man indeed.
Makes me proud to be British and an Ally to the United States of America.
Such men are few and far between, God Bless.
(Kevin, Thankyou for directing me to this most moving attribute to a great great man)
Frazer North
I had never heard of Rick Rescorla until I read this site.
A Brit a Cornishman by birth, an American by choice. A man of strong moral courage. He deserves the highest accolades from both Nations.
He epitomises the true meaning of HERO.
LEST WE FORGET
All The Way!
Those are the "boots" that troops today aspire to fill. Those aspirations are why the troops of today fight as they do in the middle east.
Thank you Sir for Leading The Way and providing such an example for troops to follow.
I am the Infantry, Follow me!
An inspiring story! All the way!
Americans are a truly unique collection of patriots, pioneers, peace-loving warriors, entrepreneurs, god-fearing citizens and so much more. Though a peacetime veteran, I take my hat to every American serving in a military uniform and cannot help but feeling somehow, the pride and gratitude that Rick Rescorla's heroism and "life" generated. Rick lives on today in a special memory and legacy gifted to each and every American and peace loving citizen of this world. No greater love......
How many times must a man be called on to go above and over the call of duty. In Rick's case as many as it takes to get the job done.
Your site is, just by itself, a fine tribute to a fine man.
I met him once, about '96, just before Dean Witter, his company, merged with Morgan Stanley. We chatted about the '93 bombing, because an operations clerk at Dean Witter -- I think her name was Lisa Tonachio -- had hung on for a few minutes longer to complete transmitting that day's gold bullion transfer instructions to their custodial bank in London. If she hadn't, about $50 million in gold would have hung in limbo: gold would not have been received and payments would not have been made...a $50 million ripple.
I remember Rescorla's laugh...he could laugh about the danger they had been through, and seemed tickled to know about DW employees who had stuck to their jobs and acted bravely, all on their own, no commands, just because they felt a responsibility.
That's why his story stuck hard at my gut when I heard on September 11. MSDW owned almost half of 2 WTC, and he got them all out. Lost 6 out of 2600. That is incredible. Maybe that's something to remind ourselves: it was not so much that he risked his life to find the last sheep, and died in doing it, but that he so cooly and efficiently got so many people out to safety. I worked in 1 WTC for several years, and know that those stairwells were not designed to evacuate the building. Our firedrills had us go into the stairwell and stand, assuming that the concrete would shelter us until the Fire Department controlled the fire.
So there's the point: Mr. Rescorla lead, cajoled, pushed, almost magically got 2600 people down those narrow halls from as high as the 44th story. There was nerve, and self-control, and probably humor, and incredible skill.
This man was a true hero. I have served in combat myself and I know what it would take to do the things this man did. People often forget about the sacrifices such men made and continue to make every day to ensure their way of life.
He stands as yet another reminder to all of us that Freedom isn't free.
This man deserves to be recognized for his valor.
I wish I had known him. I hope that there are many others still with us that embody his noble and brave spirit. I hope that I might have some of his valor when the time comes.
Thank you for posting his story. It is a bittersweet thing, as is so much of life, to know that such a man was among us, and that such a man is now gone elsewhere.
Fight the good fight. Let freedom reign.
I read this post about a week ago and came back to reread it.
Although Mr. Rescorla wore a different shade of green than I did and I never met the man he was a comrade in that very ugly war.
You old dogfaces will forgive me for saying that the Colonel was the epitome of the motto of my branch of service. Semper Fideles. To his last breath, semper fideles.
My three boys were named after guys who didn't make it back from that war, so is my daughter, Stephanie. Now that the kids are pumping out grandchildren I shall lobby them to name one Rick.
As a soldier currently stationed in Iraqi, deploying before the war and still here for the reconstruction, I have seem my share of heros.
This man deserves this award!
20 Sept. 03: Rick has a son Trevor, that looks so much like his Dad did when we served together as fellow officers in 1965. I had the privilege of going back to VietNam with Rick in Nov./Dec.1997, and walked the same field of battle at LZ XRAY with him once again. It was Rick that replaced my Platoon on 15 Nov.65,after I was med-evaced out.
I just returned from a trip to England two days ago, and I thought about him every day I was there.(Few days go by that I don't think of all the Brave Men I knew from the 1st and the 2nd of the 7th Cavalry). Thank You for the Website Tribute and I join the many who believe that this man deserves to be further recognized with this medal. GARRY OWEN OLE FRIEND,
Lt.Bill Franklin, C Co. 1st/7th
Great story great man... but I'm left with a question. A serious question and I hope this isn't going to upset anyone as it isn't meant to upset only to make some of you 'think'....because this question has been upsetting me for a long while...
An an European I watch daily Hollywood movies/series and when I see an English character pop up in one of them or a character with an English/british voice (even in W. Disney) they are always either - stupid, idiots, bad, evil... I hardly see any of them as 'normal' guys. I watched last week a SF series and there 'he' was again a British officer - truly a sort of cross between a stereotype Englishman and an idiot. As sort of guy you never want to meet only to have jokes about... now my question is - why? As I can see with this story again - 'this real born Englishman' wasn't at all like those 'characters' on screen and was a possitive factor to your nation. Even so great that you call him a truly American!!! Can any one of you answer this question honestly? Why do should movies/series keep producing should 'bad image' of the English? The reason it upsets me so much (although I'm not English) is that I live in a part of Europe where thousands of Enlgish were killed in action - from even before Waterloo to 1945! I never would 'spit' on their graves or belittle their bravery by 'making fun' of thier traditions, way of speaking, I never would try to 'raise' bad feelings between them (English & Scottish etc) to devide the UK again as it once had been - by re writting thier history & stirring up old 'troubles'... I for once never supported those IRA terrorists who killed British service men at random - traveling home through our country were their families and friends were waiting - and certainly not since they try to shoot down a British Airway jet over London during the First war against Saddam because they supported 'Saddam' instead those fighting him - what if they had succeeded to do so? How many lives would have been lost when that British Airway jet had crashed burning into a city like London? And what is haunting me now - what would your country have done back than? Would it have done the same as the British government did on the 11th September 2001 or would it have been torn between his loyalities? Supporting the pro-IRA groups or the English/British?
Don't mis understand me - I'm not anti American and I have support (still support) your efforts against the terror! I honestly beleive that those fanatics turned against the USA because they want to control the world and since that Russia isn't anylonger a super power they are now set to strick at the only super power left.. and it's not so because your country may or may not have made mistakes in the past concerning the Middle East. That's their propaganda which regretefully is selling too well... and I feel that part of the Iraq problems was not caused by the US but by the stupid and greedy behaviour of countries like Germany - France - Russia. Who didn't or don't understand that 'we' need to show unity. Beside those fanitic are not only a creation of these modern times... since centuries they have been causing problems for others with their Holy Wars. (That's another thing I don't understand - how can a war be holy?)
In a way it's much the same as about 400 years ago, when the all powerful Church of Rome didn't want anyone to be 'different' and the Popes behaved more like tirans than as Church leaders. Because of that kind of behaviour people started to fight back hence the Protestant movement... which was in fact a movement for only was able to survived because some protestant nations did resit - fighting for their bare survival! WIthout them 'we' the western world would never have known 'freedom' at all - that is one aspect often forgotten in our history lessons. In this fight for survival things did often get dirty - that is what fighting a war is like. And often mistakes were made - BUT we never should forget those people had only two solutions. Either surrender and end up murder, giving up the freedom of religion or fight to the bitter end hoping they would be able to turn the tide.. they did! Just think about it...if the kings of England had given up and turned once again to the Church of Rome...most other smaller nations who were also protestants had never survived much longer standing alone against the huge Roman Catholic empires of Spain/France... so with them gone.. who would have sailed to North America to restard a new life? The Pelgrims? Or would the Spanish kept on moving more and more north... and if so what would we call New York today? New Madrid? And if so would the USA be the free and rich country as it is now? Would there a country as Canada? Or be the North be more like Brazil, Chili, Mexico?
Well I hope you understand now why I feel so upset when I see a Hollywood movie/series which is making money with characters wich deforms those I have come to respect as my liberators - and not only from men as Hitler, Napoleon but also from those who said I never should have free dom of religion...I for once would never 'spit' on thier image...I know they were not perfect, did make mistakes. They were after all just humans with all thier shortcomings - but that perhaps the mean reason I have come to respect them that despite they were merely human they did achieve should great things. They did! And to 'forget that aspect of them' is as if I do I will give those who wanted to reign in terror the reward to be the winners after all... One last remark that I want to add... I always felt it strange that most of our countries (even mine!)have 'national days' which reminds us of 'the victory' on others - reminding us of 'old wounds' 'old wars' - as if that is what we should be proud off. What about those countries who have no should national day? Like England/Britian.. they have something they call Trooping the Colour which is a celebration of the birthday of the Queen/king... A birthday is always regarded as a celebration & a thanks giving for new life, symbol of 'love'. Shouldn't we start to think about that too? Why can they have should a day and we need that other one?
Isn't it time we should say those 'bosses' in Hollywood they should try to be honest - even to those 'bad' English who were according to their movies/series the cause of all evil? What is wrong is showing the 'real' character instead of those stereotypes... adding or changing historical figures lives/actions in order to 'make them fit' better in the 'image' we would like to see? Like the English King in Braveheart who never commited that murder? Saying that Braveheart was not only 'a good guy' but also had made serious mistakes? Isn't that not also the trick for men like Saddam - changing things a little bit in order to fit his 'idea' of history and truth? Creating the image of the all evil American hence fueling hate... deviding people who otherwise could be 'friends'?
We can't fight evil only with weapons - we got to fight it also with honesty and truthfulness to ourselves and our history! Only than we will set us apart form them and show the world 'why they are evil' and should be stopped!
We not only own that to the 'boys'like Rick of past battles or wars but also to those who fell victem to terror actions (anyone's terror actions!!) and those who are still having to risk thier lives in Iraq.
I rest my case...
He is a true Hero and deserves to be recognized.
Rick deserves and has the repect of warriors everywhere. He would also understand the need to find and elimanate the threat of those who have or would hurt our women and children.
"Pro Patria" or "For Your Country" is the motto of my old unit, 2nd. Batallion, Royal Canadian Regiment, currently depoyled in the war on terrorism in Kabul, Afganistan.
Just after the second anniversary of 9/11 I was on my way home to Cornwall by train from London and had purchased a book, “We were Soldiers Once and Young”, to read on the journey. I knew that Rick RESCORLA, a former British citizen and fellow Cornishman had died a hero in the 911 attacks and from local Cornish newspaper reports that he had served in Vietnam. I had no idea prior to reading the book what he did in that conflict. Once I had started the book I was hooked, what a man, and decided I would find out more about him. He had already served in the British armed forces and as a Police Officer in a British colonial police force when he joined the US Army, then continued to serve as a reservist after he retired, rising to the rank of Colonel. If ever there was a man who deserves a medal it is Rick. He was a Cornishman, (a small Celtic country in the southwest of England), a former British subject and a naturalised American citizen. You can choose any of them or all three, but whatever his nationality he deserves recognition. He is unlikely to receive recognition from the British government and it is up to you, our allies to ensure that dues are paid and have made an entry on the petition website to that effect. Rick RECORLA’s remains were apparently never found, but he has a memorial in his birthplace, Hayle in Cornwall, overlooking the harbour. In tribute to a great man I say Onen hag Oll (One and all) for a true cousin Jack. I am a Police Inspector posted to the Metropolitan Police in London England. At the time of 911 I was a patrol Sergeant, at 1415 Hrs (Greenwich Mean Time) I was relieved and on my way home when I was told of the events in NY. I went to the canteen where my colleagues and I watched with growing awe and horror the attacks on the twin towers. British Police and Military are no strangers to terrorist acts but nothing I had experienced or been trained for prepared me for what unfolded on our TV screens. A few months later I was in Dublin Eire when I had the pleasure to meet a New York Fireman (Posted Washington Heights) who gave me a lapel pin. I wear that pin on my uniform in pride and remembrance to the people who died, and in particular to those who wore or had worn a uniform.
William JAHN Inspector Metropolitan Police. (email. bill@billjahn .freeserve.co.uk)
Thanks to Greyhawk, Mudville Gazette, Ron Guyer, et. al. for bringing "the rest of the story" regarding Rick's self-sacrificing heroism on 9/11 to our attention. I know of no other person in my lifetime that is more deserving to be not only memorialized (i.e. an impressive memorial centered in the yet to be built "New Ground Zero" development) but to immediately be awarded the Medal of Freedom. Rick's story should be emblazoned in the hearts and minds of all Americans as to what a "True Hero" is in our lifetimes or any other. I'm so very tired of our liberal media and politicians for their grand-standing and self-aggrandizement.. More than ever at this very late hour of our history, America needs to remember, recognize and honor the "True Heros" who have sacrificed their very lives to let freedom continue to ring across our once great land. Thank you Rick Rescorla for your singular heroism in Ia Drang and for sacrificing yourself for the lives of 2600 of your fellow Americans on 9/11. You will always have a special place and be remembered in my heart. For all of you who were in the vacinity of ground zero on 9/11, you carry a part of Rick within you as his holy ashes were breathed in by many on that tragic day. May his spirit and courageous patriotism rise up within you as well.
From a family of immigrants who have served the Flag for over 200 years, I would only speak for them all. Any medal is not enough.
If Rick doesn't deserve the medal, than none of the other recipients do. We Americans tend to bestow the name "hero" on far less qualified individuals. May God bless him, and his family.
Do not stand at
my grave and weep.
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand
winds that blow.
I am the diamond
glints on snow.
I am the sunlight
on ripened grain.
I am the gentle
autumn rain.
When you awaken
in the mornings hush,
I am the swift
uplifting rush
of quiet birds
in circled flight,
I am the soft stars
that shine at night.
Do not stand
at my grave and cry,
I am not there,
I did not die.
Author unknown
I think Lincoln got it right when he said that it right for us to remember our fallen and to remember the brave and those who sacrifice for what they believe in.
But he also said that we can do no more honor to them than what they have already done "we cannot hallow, we cannot consecrate this ground... [they] have already hallowed it far above our power to add or to detract from it."
I've just finished the book by Hal Moore and stumbled, quite accidentally, across this page. And whether or not Col. Rescorla gets this award, the important thing is that the people know about what he did and what he gave. He was indeed a hero, but like every hero, he wanted no recognition for his acts. He already rewarded himself and his own life far above our power to even come close to it. He led a life of personal sacrifice and as I have read about this man's life, gave joy to the people around him. The greatest honor we can do for Rick Rescorla is to pursue lives like the life he lived. We too should sacrifice for the good of others and give our lives to the people around us. It isn't necessary to die doing so. I'm sure he never planned on dying while serving others. But he never blinked at the possibility.
I say honor him to bring others to the knowledge and understanding that it's still possible to live in the 21st century and be someone's hero.
I'm an amateur student of the Vietnam War from England, old enough to remember watching the news every night. I suppose you could say it was a war of my generation. I've researched many aspects of the war and only come across Rick Rescorla's service record recently, particularly the action at Ia Drang 14-16 November 1965. I recently read Hal Moore's account and was amazed at the courage and heroism. I can't imagine what it must have been like to be in such an action when you have probably regarded your life to be in mortal peril. Obviously Rick being a fellow countryman I took some interest in his career but was shocked and saddened to discover that he perished in the WTC on 9/11. I never knew the guy, nor anyone associated with him, have never even journeyed to the US, but cannot pass this opportunity to comment on his death. That a man who lived his life the way he did, and ultimately sacrificed his life for his fellow man, should have been taken by this despicable deed is beyond comprehension.
I enjoyed the book "Heart of a Soldier"
holy crap...i can't believe this is a true story, it's just so good to be true! in an age when we need our heroes most, this is THE story to tell.
makes me kinda wonder what would've happened, had he been on one of those planes!
what a man.
what was the war like what kind of fealings did u have about it, what was it realy like out their
I hope that I can do my part to honor this true American hero on my website.
God bless all the men and women who are so honorable they give their own lives so that we may live our lives.
I am proud to be from a place that produces people like this , makes my heart feel good and ill try to honor these giants every day.
"For every one hundred men you send us,
Ten should not even be here.
Eighty are nothing but targets.
Nine of them are real fighters; We are lucky
to have them, they the battle make.
Ah, But one. One of them is a warrior. And he
will bring the others back."
Heraclitus
I will forever see Rick's face when I read these words.
David Sofi, Lieutenant
An inspriation to us all
I Like the movie We were soldiers.My favorit is Captain Nadal.Check the website www.lzxray.com
You did not die in vain. The world has what to be proud of selfless individuals who care more about others than themselves.
I remember this post from several months back, or one very like it. I'm glad to see it again. People like this have more than earned the praise they get, and I hope President Bush makes the public acknowlegement that is so well deserved.
There are no words eloquent enough to explain the feelings that story or the Man causes....This is the epitamy of a HERO...Again Greyhawk..you cause tears and more thoughts..Gratitude to you ....Love AnGeL
Amen
What a moving story. Thank you Greyhawk for bringing to our attention. This man's life truly defines hero.
Grey article Grayhawk!
Truly an officer and a gentleman
Ugh...Great, not grey. :/
I meant to link to this when first posted, but forgot. I've related this story to friends many times since I've heard it. Thanks for bumping it up. I've linked now.
Part of my post: "I'd say that they don't make them like Rescorla any more, but I don't think that's true. There are far more men and women like him than a lot of people would like to admit. And although I never met him, I don't think he'd want it any other way."
Thanks again.
Define American hero:
Rick Rescorla
I'd love to see an update to the petition.
There is the Medal of Freedom, and there is also the Congressional Gold Medal. Both may be germane in this instance.
What, besides a petition, is being done? Is anyone directly communicating with their elected representatives on the Hill? Is there someone with a plan and a drive organizing something more than a petition?
I think that perhaps that might be a useful effort.
Chap.
I just read the book "heart of a soldier" a must read if you want to find out about Rick Rescorla. i have also linked this web site to my business . everyone should know about this great american hero.
I am truly awestruck at the heroism of this man and salute him and so many others for fighting for my freedom. If anyone can help me, I am trying to get ahold of a short news dcoumentary that was aired, I believe in March or 2002 - I could be wrong on the date. I have tried to email Ms. Rescorla with the following request, but the address on this website was the nospam@aol.com address. If anyone could could get this message to her, I would be indeed grateful! Thank you
Dear Ms. Rescorla -
May I first offer my sincere sympathy. From what I have read and watched Mr. Rescorla was an incredible man and husband. I got your email address off of the Mudville Gazette website, I hope this was okay! If you have it, this email is a request for a copy of the short documentary that I saw back in (I believe March of 2002) on your late husband. I hope that you will read the below testimony of my desire to have this clip, as I haven't been so passionate about something in a long time.
My name is Sherry. I am a coordinator of the Safe Schools Unit in a County Office of Education in California. Recently I attended a Crisis Management Conference with two of my colleagues. During the training, I was reminded of a documentary story that I saw on Rick Resorla. I believe it aired in March of 2002. Frantically I started writing a note to my two colleagues asking them if they remember seeing the same incredible documentary that I saw. At the time, I couldn't remember Mr. Rescorla's name, but I remember vividly what was aired on the show, and it has haunted me since. When I got home from the conference, I started researching who this incredible man was. Funny how you remember things that will be important for you later! I just started my job in the Safe Schools Unit in January. The Safe Schools Unit is preparing to implement a comprehensive Crisis Management System in the County, and I am one of three people who will be instrumental in training school district staff in preparing for a crisis situation and will be an intgregal part of the County Response Team.
As I sat in the training that day, it suddenly became (for lack of a better word) an obsession of mine to obtain a copy of that documentary clip. I have written to several TV stations to no avail. The reason it is so important to me is this- many of our districts and schools have a false sense of security. They believe they are prepared for a crisis, because they have the mandatory "Safe School Plan" written up and setting on a shelf. What we have found is that people who have been assigned jobs in the Safe School Plan have no idea that they are written into the plan, have little knowledge of how to carry out the job, and when asked what to do during a given situation (ie: lock down procdures for a school shooting), they cannot describe the procedures.
Rick Rescorla was an incredible example of what it means to be prepared and how important it is to be prepared. He trained his people, he predicted what types of attacks their might be and planned accordingly - and thus when a crisis hit he was the confident leader that they needed. What an incredible example for district and school leaders! My county has 23 school districts and is one of the largest populated counties in California. We have a crucial need to be prepared, and to have district staff prepared for a crisis. I believe the clip that I saw that day in 2002 would serve as an incredible motivational tool in training district employees.
In addition to the crisis preparedness piece that was portrayed in the documentary, one other, even more important element of Mr. Rescorla's behavior struck me and that was his role as an "asset builder." If you are not familiar with the 40 developmental assets developed by Search Institute, just a brief description - Search Institute completed research on what young people need in their lives in order to be successful. What they found is that there are basically 40 important "experiences, relationships and values" that young people need that help increase positive behaviors such as living a healthy lifestyle, achieving academically and valuing diversity. The more assets a young person has they are less likely to be involved in negative behaviors such as violence, drugs and sex. You can find a list of assets on the Search Institute website http://www.search-institute.org/assets/. Asset Development is not a program - it is a way of looking and treating young people (a shift from focusing on them as problems to focusing on them as solutions). It was quite evident to me while watching the documentary clip that Mr. Rescorla was a man who focused on the positive in people, and built them up to help them reach their potential. Riverside County Office of Education is committed to spreading the asset message. We emphasize the importance of adults being positive role models for students and how important it is to create a caring school environment - as this is a key protective factor in violence prevention.
I hope that you don't mind me requesting this from you. I am not often awestruck by things that I see on TV, but for some reason, the clip on your husband has served as a constant reminder of the importance of being positive, the importance of valuing people in my life and the importance in being prepared. If you have a copy of this newcast or have access to it, and would be willing to let me use it in my trainings, please email me at the following address - slccolgan@yahoo.com
Sherry
Wow. THanks so much for sharing this story. It is...remarkably powerful, to say the least.
Thank you.
i think this is a bunch of crap i dont know why they would even do that we didnt do nothing to them but w/e they piss me off really but the cuz we saved us on 911 i am really happy that they did that thank u i love u guyz
I just finished "A Soldier's Heart" on my way to work this morning. The audio tapes, not the book.
I had to take a few minutes before entering the building to compose myself. I was crushed when Rick died. Beyond the incredible character, love, selflessness, and loyalty, what I am emotionally leveled by is the Friendship between two men or valor. One of my prayers is that I die with friends in place such as Rick and DDan Hill had in eachother.
I owe my life to Rick because of his calm under pressure and having the foresight to evacuate the tower when he did. I was on the 61st floor of tower 2 when he gave us the order to evacuate. Had he not done such a thing many more of us would have died that day. He is truly a legend in his time.
Thank you Rick for your bravery and courage. You will always be in our hearts
For the amount of lives that Rick saved on the morning of 9/11 he should be presented the Congressional Medal of Honor in addition to the Medal of Freedom. America went to war that morning and Rick came out of retirement within seconds and did what he time and time again - he saved his troops. He did so without regard to his own safety and faced the enemy repeatedly even after his own safety was attained. His acts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country. The preceding sentence that describes Rick's actions are the very words that accompany the award of the Medal of Honor. Any man that saves 2600 comrades on the battlefield is deserving of that award.
There are many that have expressed deep sadness on how Rick left us but to Rick there was no better way for a soldier to go - on the battlefield. Those of us who have fought in war as he did understand that there is no better way to die then to do so bravely, in battle and for what we believe in. Some will never understand. It only matters that those close to us, do.
God Bless you Rick Rescorla
Jesse
Rick Rescorla would have been a hero whether he'd stayed in Britain left.
But it says a lot for the US that he chose to make his life there.
...Britain or left.
A Cornishman, and Englishman and (in the end) an American. " Hero"? Too weak a term for this man.
Rick Rescorla will never be forgotten, ever! What he did on 9/11/01 was the ultimate in unselfishness, and a heck of a lot of people owe their lives to him. It was said back in 2002 that Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon were to make a film of him/his life/his heroism that day. Since then I have tried to find out if this is still the case but have not heard anything since, nor been able to find out if this is still in the works. If anyone has any news regarding this, please could you email me at: vkholmes@venable.com ?
Many thanks,
Val Holmes
I met Rick for the first time in the chow line at the reception company at Ft Dix, New Jersey. We went to basic together with John Driver( panel 27W-line 99) After basic we went different directions. It was January of 66 that I ran into him again ... he was now my 2/LT and still a friend. It took many years after Viet-Nam but I found him and others. We were all to meet in DC for the Cav reunion. The one thing that stands out in my mind about him was his no nonsense attitude when in the bush and that is what kept us alive out there. I guess that's where he got the handel of "HARDCORE" May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.. GOD Bless Rick Rescorla .
Thanks for the repost. The pain was too fresh the first time around. The second time around I still needed more time. Having been ready for a few weeks now. I was able to come back and revel in the memories of an incredible man whom many at Dean Witter and employees working at the WTC will forever be indepted to.
He was truly an extraordinary man and much loved. In fact the greatest problem in recovering from that fateful day was wondering how I could once again feel safe in the workplace without him. I have since met his replacement, and although he is no Rick Rescorla, he would have certainly passed Rick's torture impromptu security test. that thought alone brings a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. Thanks again for the memory.
I would like to say so many things
but I'm speachless
I would like to do so many things
but it's useless
I would like to see alive again
those who have vanished
I would like to give comfort to family & friends
of those who have perished
I would like to turn back the clock
but it's impossible
I would like to see sentenced the responsable
It would be nice if the world could live in peace
It would be nice if all fire seased
One day maybee, we'll be living in harmony,
happy & free.
TONY SPADA. 9\12\01
I wrote this poem the day after and called it,
"SILENCE"
Dedicated to all who are no longer here after the 9\11 tragedy.
For the 1st anniversary I held a commemoration tribute in Italy(where I live) even though I'm British.
After reading about RICK RESCORLA, I'm even more proud of being a Brit.
This is an incredibly inspirational story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Never forget 9/11. The islamofacist are planning many more homicide attacks. Know your surrounding, look to aid the women, children and elderly near you. Help others subjected to the event, just like Rick.
God bless GW Bush and the USA!
Twin Towers, Twin Towers, we see two "buildings" going down and now a gapeing hole where the Twin Towers stood. Have we gotten to the point of thinking of this as Twin Towers and not the thousands of people killed and the thousands more family's friends etc. that were left to mourn. I say forget "Twin Towers" They are just buildings. The Pentagon is just a building. We need more stories like this about the PEOPLE that were KILLED when this happened. I was sitting with my 37yr old daughter in her hospital room watching while this happened. She died of cancer 10 days later. I was one mother mourning her daughter who could only think of over 3,000 others going thru the same thing uncomperhensable. I say the hell with Twin Towers!
He's a real hero
Update: Others, inspired by Rescorla, arose and, with grace, courage and honor, did what was necessary to keep John Kerry from further disgracing America and the noble warriors, past and present, who fight to keep her free from enemies foreign and domestic!
Thanks, Rick, and thank you Swiftboat Veterans!
Rick was the XO of my Infantry OCS class in 1966. I can still hear his singing as we marched. He was a combat god to all of us. I learned of his death a week later and was devastated but not surprised at the circumstances. He did what he did best-leading others to safety at his own peril. His legacy includes those of us who survived combat in Vietnam.
a hero deserving of our gratitude. my prayers are with his family.
"Faces of the Brave" (FOTB) is a "Non-Profit" Tribute Artwork Project that
has been created to Honor the fallen New York City "Fire & Rescue" personnel
and other heroes lost on 9/11 by putting their faces before the public. No
longer will the thought of these brave men and women become a fading memory
or mere statistic, their faces will help to remind us of the personal
sacrifice made that tragic day.
http://www.BraveFaces.com
HERO!!!
Does anyone know where I can get a List of all the Viet Nam Draft Doggers that went to Canada
.
To hear Mrs. SUSAN RESCORLA's stunning Radio Interview honoring RICK RESCORLA:
http://www.SocialWeapons.com
Scroll down to:
'Show Archives' - April 16, 2005, Parts 1 & 2
It's RICK talking right thru her to us.
.
A Cornishman, an American, a husband, a family man and a HERO.
Not wanting to be political, but Rick was born in Hayle, Cornwall in the UK. Cornwall is legally a Celtic land apart from England and all Cornish people as was Rick, are very proud to be Cornish and from the Duchy of Cornwall a nation which is part of the UK.
Rick should be made a posthumous Cornish Bard, the highest award in Cornwall.
A Cornishman, an American, a husband, a family man and a HERO.
Not wanting to be political, but Rick was born in Hayle, Cornwall in the UK. Cornwall is legally a Celtic land apart from England and all Cornish people as was Rick, are very proud to be Cornish and from the Duchy of Cornwall a nation which is part of the UK.
Rick should be made a posthumous Cornish Bard, the highest award in Cornwall.
READ ON ..i first watched the film .we were soldiers. and then .went on the Ia drang. lzx ray website.which was how i came across this chap . rick rescorla.WHAT A MAN. i have been to to ground zero.on 21/4/05 to pay tribute to this ENGLISH/AMERICAN WARRIOR.HE ALONG WITH IS PAL .DAN HILL .ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL. i got up of my sick bed .in liverpool . england .uk. i am crippled by reamatoid arthritis aged 48 . got a bus . train . plane. to NYC to pay my respect to this man .i had been to new york .in 1994 . and had went to pay my respect to .john lennon at dakota building .strawberry fields. lennon was also killed by a nutcase. he to was british by birth . but like rick rescorla an american by choice. i took my camera digital with me . and non have turned out .pictures. . so i am having to do it all again ?this time i want to find the place were .rick and susan . used to visit .and were susan add a plaque .. placed for rick . its in a eagle sanctionary ? somewere.rick rescorla is inspiring to me. after is death . through is legacy .of never giving up . i am going to try to make a new . better life for myself in america.even though i am 48 . its not over yet. i want to be an american citizen live free. in the land of the free. were people do drastic things and take terrible risks at night.ie forces .etc .so others can sleep peacefully in there bed. at night.rick rescorla and the other security staff. who stayed at is side .were all heros. . rick was first to step foot in wtc . and he was the last to leave. and he will not leave anyone behind.so help me god. MEN OF CORNWALL STOP YOUR DREAMING. STAND AND NEVER YEILD. RIP. MR RESCORLA
God bless Rick Rescola, a true American hero. His recognition from both the US and UK is long overdue. Let us never forget those colleaques in arms who paid the ultimate sacrifice, are MIA, or fill the VA hospitals. Only those who have walked in the bush where you often couldn't see but green foliage at arms length will ever know the adrenalin rush,horror,and commaraderie experienced by men in combat. Semper fi! Nam 68-69.
i am 15 years old and i am from ireland, after reading rick's story - i have been truly touched. ita clear to see that he was a heroe not just to those in the 911 but to everyone, its thanks to brave people like him that so many people survived that hoffific event. my heart goes out to all ricks family and friends as he was a great loss, he deserves to be recognised for his bravery so on behalf of everyone, i would like to thank rick for all that he did and may he rest in peace in heaven for he truly is an angel!
Such a GREAT and WONDERFUL MAN who gave his life to help others live. The scumbags who now desert and the ones who won't enlist to defend our country are the ones who should have died on 911.God bless our men and women in our armed forces.WE ARE PROUD OF YOU! May God bless.
Pete
Thank God for people like him. People that have the strength and courage in the darkest of times to think of others. I have always looked up to our vets from WW2, Korea, and Vietnam. This man has reinforced what I have felt since I was a child. Hats off to a true titan and a hero worthy of our respect and adoration
-Keith
This knowledge of the life of Rick Rescola surely leaves no eye dry in that he left this world doing what he did best... helping and encouraging others.This was truly an awesom and rare man! God bless you soul, Rick Rescola. Susan was truly blessed to have had such a man as her husband.
I do not know, nor have heard of COL Rick Rescola. However, from I have read, he was a man of great courage and honor. I gladly add my name to this petition and also would like to see him recalled to active duty and made elegible for and nominated for the Congression Medal of Honor ASAP.
W. F. DEADWYLER
HM1 USN (RET)
Wow! what an inspirational piece. I was at the WTC shortly after the collapse (as a member of the NYC FD) We were all in the state of shock, knowing that we were surrounded by the bodies of thousands of murder victims. After awhile I came to realize that we were in the final resting place of hundreds of magnificant heros who gave there lives trying to rescue and help complete strangers. Now after reading about Rick Rescoria I know I was in the presence of the bravest of the bravest. May God rest his soul.
I first read the book by Hal Moore and Joe Galloway a few years back and was immediately impressed by a number of the men featured in the book. Rick Rescorla was one of them. He came across not only as a tough and brave man but also as a level-headed and professional officer. The type of man you'd want to be your leader in battle. There also seemed to be something uniquely British about him, a kind of sober realism with the spice of banter added to it. All in all even though the book was not about him alone or even mostly about him I thought to myself "What a legend".
I did not know any further background information on him until a few days ago. Only then I realised he had died on 9/11 and the way he acted then only confirmed my view of him as a true legend, hero and man. The interview linked to on this webpage is very amazing as well, I found it admirable as well that he had come to see the Vietnam War in such a differentiated light and generally made very smart and critical remarks about US foreign policy and what it all means in the future.
That said, after all I read about him and had heard from himself in that interview I have a feeling he would not want to be paraded as a hero and he would not want to be used as a political tool so I find it a bit sad that some make it a political thing. There is really no telling either what his thoughts would have been about recent developments and US policy decisions in places like Iraq. The interview made it sound like he would probably be more critical of it than some like to think.
Rick Rescola is the epitome of the Model that Jesus Christ gave us 2000 years ago.
Rick Rescola is the epitome of the Model that Jesus Christ gave us 2000 years ago.
When I met Rick I was introduced to him by Joe Galloway and Hal Moore. I was amazed at how those folks don't think they are special in any way.
Rick and Joe made sure I had plenty of pictures of me with them. They were just so decent, friendly and unassuming they put everybody around them instantly at ease.
Although I knew Rick for only a few days, when Joe told me Rick got killed and how he died, it felt personal. I know it was deeply personal for Joe and General Moore and the others. That particular Band of Brothers are/were so close to each other that they give a new definition to the term "War Bond".
No movie can do them justice and no medal is sufficient tribute to Col Rescorla, but if the Medal fo Freedom is the best we can do, then we should make it happen.
If Rick thought it was important, he'd make it happen. We can do no less.
Jim Heaton
Justus, Ohio
Rick Rescorla is the perfect example of sheepdog as presented in the "Tribes" commentary by Bill Whittle.
He deserves the Medal of Freedom more than anyone who has received it since 9-11-2001.
I bet Charleton Heston would agree.
I'm signing on too.
lt
I'm watching the History channel, and it talks about Rick with his heroic actions on 9/11. He's a true hero. May he be with god eternally. When I have a chance to go to NJ, I'll try to look for his resting place to pay respect for the guy.
Great hero!
Last night I was flipping channels and found:
===================
The Man Who Predicted 9/11
Special
SYNOPSIS:
The director of security of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Rick Rescorla predicts an attack on the World Trade Center and led hundreds out of the South Tower before dying in its collapse.
CHANNEL: 43 [HISTORY]
DATE / TIME:
September 11: 8:00PM
September 12: 12:00AM
LENGTH: 60 Minutes
=============
I don't know if this had ever been shown before, but it viewed like Greyhawk's script.
I also watched "The Flight that Fought Back" (about what I call Hero Flight 93) on Discovery. It seemed more Hollywood and they did have to surmise an ending. It was good because it illustrates why the good people of the US (and the world) will win. All the heroes of 9/11 were us - our families and friends. Just plain folk.
There were heroes on all the flights. Each flight got out a little more information so that by the fourth flight, and with the information gained by calls to their loved ones, they knew what had to be done.
May God bless all the heroes of 9/11, the victims, and their families. It has to be tough for the surviving families to watch the towers collapse and I cannot give you any solace except that maybe people will once again be jarred out of their complacency so they never forget.
I for one will never forget - and I remind everyone what the heroes of flight 93 left us: "Let's Roll!”
I just wished the rest of the world would realize what is at stake. Four years latter and there are people putting political parties, pork projects, and their agendas ahead of what must be done.
Thankyou for sharing. Rick was truely a hero and a blessing to our country and the world. God Bless his family.
"Let's Roll!”
I am just now finishing up "The Heart of a Soldier", I have (for the 2nd time) checked out "We Were Soldiers Once and Young" because it will now be even more meaningful. If Rick Rescorla is being considered for the Medal of Freedom, I want to go on record as voting in favor of it.
Good to read everything about Rick Rescorla. I understand that outside of the Britain many people use and think the term England and Britain or English and British are the same thing, but here in Cornwall like Rick Rescorla we're proud of being Cornish and British and not English. We are also proud of knowing Cornishmen (or Cousin Jacks)like Rick formed the backbone of the USA's hard rock mining industry in the 1800s. I believe Rick may have been singing Cornish songs during his last minutes in the World Trade Centre and I am over the moon to hear of his memorial at Ft Benning.
Thanks Greyhawk, LEST WE FORGET!
Thanks for reposting this, G. It's way too easy to forget there are people like this in the world, and that they're the ones who make it better for the rest of us. Thank you for the reminder. I have placed the button and link on my sidebar.
Oh...and welcome home. Good to have you back Stateside.
After reading this, it occurred to me that many foreigners who choose to become Americans have a reverance for and a loyalty to this country and their fellow citizens that very few native born Americans can even begin to fathom.
We should all be so blessed as to have a fraction of his character, fortitude and dedication to his fellow men.
Thank you for an incredible presentation of Rick's life. Amazing, inspirational story.
God bless him, his family and friends, and God bless America.
Thanks again.
Great post...very well done!!!
Awesome post, thanks for sharing.
Amazingly brave guy and a true here who should get the Medal of Freedom. However, much of the video seems kinda moon-batty, esp. the parts where he said we supported the wrong sides in Vientnam and Nicaragua.
although I haven't heard of this gentleman I salute him and hold him in my prayers. I also have to salute his wife for doing the things to keep his memory alive. I am also gonna find where I can get those books and buy them and read them so I can understand the true hero behind the saving of 2700 employees of Morgan Stanly Dean Witter
Rick is an American Hero. Even though he was
retired from the military he should be given
posthoumously THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF
HONOR!!!!!!!!!
As often is the case, true american heroes go unrewarded. One man made the difference and 2700 personal tragedies were lessened. The Congressional Medal of Honor, as appropriate as it might be in this case, is only awarded to active duty military. The Medal of Freedom, I believe is the highest award for a civilian hero. Has any one other man ever deserved 2700 of them? May God bless and protect Rick Rescola, his family and all those to whom he gave a second chance.
I am glad that there are people out there who care enough to keep the memory of sacrifice alive. His story is amazing.